How can the civil sector make generosity visible and valued in everyday life? In a time when it feels like we are constantly talking about what divides us, one Pacific Northwest city is showing the rest of the country how civic engagement can truly bring people together.
The National Museum and Center for Service (NMCFS) recently designated Edmonds, Washington the nation’s first “Community of Service,” making it the prototype for this new initiative.
Edmonds kicked off its local effort, Edmonds Serves, as a key part of its Semiquincentennial celebration and a part of the 250 & Beyond movement.
As we look toward the future of the U.S. civil sector, 250 & Beyond, a joint initiative of Independent Sector and the National Museum and Center for Service, offers an independent way for communities across the country to celebrate the milestone by uplifting the many forms of service that bind Americans together.
Independent Sector and partner The National Museum and Center for Service are collaborating with service organizations and local communities to create a nationwide network of museums of service — spaces that honor and inspire the spirit of service over self and celebrates the everyday people whose service transforms communities and sustains our democracy.
Turning a City Into a Living Museum
Through “Edmonds Serves,” the city is literally becoming a “living museum of service.” Instead of sticking to traditional annual awards for a few people, Edmonds is choosing to honor its quiet heroes — the ordinary residents and organizations who show up every day to help their neighbors.
“We know that when people perceive their community to be more generous, they are more likely to participate and give back their time, talent, and treasure. This initiative aims to make that generosity a visible and valued part of Edmonds’ infrastructure,” said Julie Budkowski, managing director of the National Museum and Center for Service.
44 local businesses are hosting displays throughout the city, including locally crafted posters, video exhibits, and experiences profiling Edmonds’ dedicated volunteers. These community displays are popping up in various spaces in Edmonds to elevate the work of the charitable sector, including:
- Storefront windows of local businesses
- Public spaces and community centers
- Local schools and libraries
- Digital platforms and websites
Every exhibit features a QR code that instantly connects residents and visitors to local volunteer opportunities, making it easier than ever for people to join in and get involved.
Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen celebrated this milestone with an official mayoral proclamation on June 2, 2026. The proclamation shines a spotlight on the city’s incredible commitment to volunteerism and recognizes the nearly 500 nonprofit organizations that are serving the community every day.
How It Began
Edmonds’ “Community of Service” initiative began in April 2026 with the annual volunteer fair at the Edmonds Waterfront Center. At the fair, NMCFS founder Brian Baird shared his inspiring vision for how city leaders would bring this initiative to life. That grassroots kickoff was quickly followed by a large gathering of leaders from more than 200 local businesses and nonprofits who learned about and committed to the “Edmonds Serves” vision.
As Mayor Rosen put it, “At a time when so much seems to divide us, Edmonds Serves is a reminder of what still brings us together — the shared values of compassion, service, and a deep sense of community.” He often calls these dedicated volunteers the “secret sauce” of Edmonds and it is clear they truly define the city’s welcoming identity.
Creating a Playbook for the Nation
“Edmonds Serves” officially launched on June 6, 2026, just in time for the Pacific Northwest to welcome international visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While most cities might focus their efforts on tourist spots, Edmonds is choosing to highlight something distinctly American — our shared commitment to serving one another.
The NMCFS team will be working closely with “Edmonds Serves” as the initiative evolves over the next year, partnering with the city, charitable sector, businesses, and school district. The organization is learning an incredible amount from this local prototype, and alongside its partners, is using that knowledge to create a helpful playbook, shared resources, and criteria for an official designation.
A Model for the Next 250 Years
As the nation celebrates our 250th anniversary, the city of Edmonds is providing a powerful, real-life example of how communities can truly honor our country’s founding ideals of service, civic responsibility, and shared purpose. More importantly, it is setting up a transformative model for the next 250 years.
The resources being developed will guide others on making service an intentional, embedded part of their community’s infrastructure, identity, and culture. We view this as an intentional investment in making civic participation visible and valued in cities and towns nationwide. By treating service as a deliberate method for bringing the community together, we can unlock profound societal impacts:
- Bridging divides: Service acts as a universally useful tool to heal fractures and bridge divides among neighbors.
- Strengthening trust: By continually showcasing and encouraging active citizen engagement in partnership with local government, businesses, schools, and the civil sector, we strengthen the public’s trust in our institutions.
- Enhancing wellbeing: Fostering a culture of civic participation leads directly to improved health and wellbeing for individuals.
- Fostering connection: Ultimately, this collaborative approach builds deeply connected communities.
The NMCFS team looks forward to using these tools to partner with more communities across the country to create hope and connection, making all forms of service to others visible and valued.
To learn more about this developing new initiative or to explore partnership opportunities with the National Museum and Center for Service, please contact NMCFS Managing Director Julie Budkowski at juliebudkowski@nmcfs.org.
Julie Budkowski is Managing Director of the National Museum and Center for Service.
